Apparatus for producing cellulose xanthate



Sept. 21, 1954 M. P. KUL'P ET AL 2,689,784

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSE XANTHATE.

Original Filed Feb. 7, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 /NVNTORS. M4Ufl/(E KULP CHARLES D. VA/VDENBURG/l DO/70TH) C- CHANCE Sept. 21, 1954 M. P. KULP ET AL 2,689,784 APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSE XANTHATE Original Filed Feb. 7, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 //VVNTOR.$. MAURICE A AULP CHARL 5 0. VANDENBU/r'G/l 000070) c. C/M/VCE Sept. 21, 1954 P, u P ET AL 2,689,784

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSE XANTHATE Original Filed Feb. 7, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 MAUR/CE f? AULP CHARLES D. VANDENBURGH DURUTHY C. CHANCE wwyw Sept. 21, 1954 M. P. KULP ETAL 2,689,784

' APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSE XANTHATE Original Filed Feb. 7, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 a4 85 97 m 1;; 41.7 14.9 9/ 99 m: /09 /9 0/ I43 uvvmrons. mums: p. Kl/LP CHARLES a l/A/VOE/VBURGH 0on0 my c. CHANCE P 1954 M. P. KU LP ET AL 2,689,784

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSE XANTHA TE Original Filed Feb. 7, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTO/PS. mumps n xuu CHARLES a. vmamaunau oonornv 0. came:

Patented Sept. 21, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSE XANTHATE Maurice P. Kulp, Marcus Hook, Pa., Charles D. Vandenburgh, Charlestown, Md... and Dorothy C. Chance, Ridley Park, Pa., assignors to American Viscose Corporation, WilmingtomDeL, a

corporation of Delaware Original application February 7, 1946, Serial No. 646,048. Divided and this application May 11, 1948, Serial No. 26,354

21 Claims. (01. 23260) 1 This invention relates to an improved process in which the formation of viscid clumps is avoidfor the production of cellulose xanthate,cand to ed during mixing of the alkali cellulose crumbs novel apparatus which may be used in carrying and carbon disulfide, and which insures intimate out the process. and uniform distribution of the carbon disulfide This application is a division of our pending 5 through all portions of the alkali cellulose. Anapplication Serial No. 646,048, filed February 7, other object is to provide a method of making 1946, now Patent No. 2,510,984. cellulose xanthate which does not involve the The known, and currently practiced, method use of large excesses of carbon disulfide. Yet of making cellulose xanthate involves dumping another object is to provide a method of making alkali cellulose crumbs into a xanthating drum a predetermined amount of cellulose xanthate, containing liquid carbon disulfide or into which in a predetermined unit of time. A still further the carbon disulfide is poured after introduction object is to provide a continuous method for of the crumbs. The mixture is then agitated making cellulose xanthate, and apparatus in or churned for a considerable period of time, which such a continuous process may be carried chemical reaction taking place during the agitatout. ing period. The main disadvantage of that Essentially, this invention contemplates the process is that chemical reaction between CS: production of an intimate physical mixture of and the alkali cellulose takes place rapidly at atomized carbon disulfide and alkali. cellulose the surface of the crumbs, which then become by agitating alkali cellulose crumbs and an sticky and viscid and agglomerate into lumps or amount of atomized carbon disulfide equal to coherent masses of varying sizes which adhere the amount thereof consumed in the'chemical to the churning mechanism and to the inner reaction for a limited period of time such as to walls of the drum. The agitation is thus greatly insure uniform distribution of the liquid through impeded, and the carbon disulfide does not all parts of the solid, without the occurrence of penetrate into the interior of the crumbs, espeany appreciable chemical reaction, and therecially those of larger size, which thus have a after maintaining the mixture under conditions surface of cellulose xanthate encasing a core of such that there is comparatively little if any unreacted alkali cellulose, and the final product itation of the mass or movement of the crumbs does not consist entirely of cellulose xanthate. rel tiv ly to one another for a predetermined It is practically impossible to obtain uniform period of time which is of such duration that the distribution of the carbon disulfide through all Physically e lnt r i led alkali cellulose and portions of the alkali cellulose crumbs under carbon disulfide react together ch m cal y to such conditions. To even partially offset these yi ld a final product which consists ubstant y difliculties, a large excess of carbon disulfide is e tirely of cellulose xanthate and which does required, all of which is not used up in the renot compr a y Significant q y of 1111- action and some of which is present in the final r t d a al u s carbon d sulfid product when it is removed from the anthating is added to the alkali 0811111056 crumbs il'l atomdrum or the like. When the crumbs are dislied form, that in t e form of a fine mist or lv d in dil te di m hydr xid t produce cloud, to effect thorough distribution thereof viscose, in the conventional manner, the excess 40 through the crumbs during t i it d agitation carbon disulfide carried by the crumbs, but not perioddistributed therethrough, reacts with the caustic It is thus possible reduce the q y f t form by-products whi h m t b removed carbon disulfide mixed with the alkali cellulose prior t spinning the vi c a d hi h if t to substantially that amount required to convert removed complicate the filtering step and 4 a given quantity of alkali cellulose to cellulose pair th properties of products bt i by xanthate. It appears that chemical reaction is jecting the viscose to coagulating and regenernot initiated during the agit t P t ating conditions. In addition, such' prior art any rate that the extent of the c c a ti n.

methods are essentially batch processes, rather if it is initiated at that point, is insufiicient to than continuous processes, and require such a 5 cause u p g 0f t part cles or prevent thorconsiderable handling of material that they are ough penetration of thecarbon disulfide through not at all well suited to large scale commercial all of the particles.

use. The process permits of a considerable saving It is an object of this invention to provide an in the overall time required to produce cellulose improved method of producing cellulose xanthate, xanthate and favorably influences the character r 3 of the viscose obtainable therefrom by dissolving the xanthate in dilute caustic alkali, and of products obtainable by spinning or casting such viscose into. suitable coagulating and regenerating media.

The accompanying drawing illustrates apparatus which is suitable for carrying out the process.

In the drawing,

Figure 1 is an elevation of one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is an elevation of the upper portion of the apparatus of Figure 1 shown partly in section;

Figure 3 is a view taken on line III--III of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a view taken on line IVIV of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is an elevation of part of a device embodying another modification of the invention;

Figure 6 is a detail of a portion of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 5;

Figure '7 is a detail ofanother portion of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 5;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic representation of the electrical connections used in operating the apparatus;

Figure 9 is an elevation of another embodiment of the invention; and- Figure 10 is a view taken on line A--A of Figure 9, looking in the directions of the arrows.

Referring more particularly to Figures 1 to 4 inclusive, there is shown a tower-like chamber 2 supported in a framework comprising a platform 3 mounted on uprights d and 5 reinforced by cross-bars 6 and 1.

Chamber 2 comprises an agitating zone 8 the bottom of which communicates with the top of a reaction or rest zone 9, and a communicating juncture, shown generally at [0, is provided between the zones. Either the agitating or the rest zone, or both, may be providedwith jackets for heating or cooling the contents of the zones, if desired.

Alkali cellulose crumbs are fed into the agitating zone through a hopper II, and carbon disulfide is introduced into the agitating zone, in the form of a fine mist 0r cloud, through the nozzles ofan atomizer 12.

A shaft l4 projects into the agitating zone and carries a number of blades I5 fixed thereto for mixing the alkali cellulose crumbs and" carbon di sulfide, shaft I l being driven by a motor [6 connected to a suitable source of power.

The communicating juncture between the two zones 8' and 9 (see Figures 1, 2- and 3) comprises an oval-shaped flange I! and an oval-shaped flange [8, the flanges being bolted together, by bolts is with a spacing member interposed therebetween. Spacing member Zilhas an opening its corresponding in diameter to the inner diameter of the reaction zone, or to the inner diameter of both the agitating and reaction zones when they are the same size, and is provided'with a longitudinal guideway 2| extending radially outwardly from the opening 200, and lying between a pair of opposed shelves Hand 23 which have less thickness than the member 20-so that the lowermost one ofthe circular plates or separators 24 within the magazine 25 can rest upon the shelves and can be slid along the shelves into the opening 20a. The magazine 25-is carried by the projecting portion of flange H.

The rod 26, extending from a piston slidable in a cylinder 26a mounted on a bracket l la issecured-to and is adapted-to move a crescent-shaped.

shoe 21, the shoulder 28-of which abuts against 4 the edge of the bottom plate in magazine 25. When rod 26 is pushed inwardly along guideway 2!, shoe 21 forces the bottom plate of the stack along shelves 22 and 23 until the plate is brought into position between zones 8 and 9 where it is supported by shoes 3| and 32 projecting into the opening 26a. The rod 26 is capable of being retracted to again bring shoulder 26 into position back of the next plate in the stack. In this position, the plates 20 act as closure members between the agitating chamber 8 and the reaction tower 9.

The shoes 3! and 3.2 are carried by reciprocable rods 29 and 38 respectively. Springs 29 a and 30a acting upon collars or shoulders fixed to rods 29 and 3B serve to retract the shoes from their plate up or n p sition The means for supporting the plate 24 at the discharge end of zone 9 (Figure 1) comprises a pair of shoes 35 and 36 carried by a pair of reciprocable rods 33 and 34 extending from pistons slidable in cylinders 33a and 34a. Retractionof rods 33 and 34 releases the plate, which is discharged from the reaction zone onto a platen 31 adapted to be lowered to the surface of a stationary sup port 38. The platen is steadied by guide posts 39 which reciprocate vertically in guideways 39a in support 38. Raising or lowering of platen '31 is effected by means of a rod 40 extending from a piston slidable in a cylinder 46a and secured to the bottom of the platen. In its upper position, the platen is maintained in position immediately under the discharge end of reactionzone 9. Re traction of rod is causes platen 31 to belowered until it comes to rest on support 38.

Platen 31 carries a detached upstanding ring member M on its upper surface, which ring su-r-- rounds the. plate deposited on the platen from the reaction zone. The ring is provided with a pair of projecting hooks 42. Means are provided for urgingthering M across the surface of platen 31 whereby the plate and. its lead: are swept into a chute 43 which may lead to a hopper (not shown). Thus, there is provided a rod 45 se cured to a pistonslidablein a cylinder-45a. Whenplaten 31 is in its lower position, each hook 42 on ring 4| extendsdownwardly intothespace between two upstanding lugs 46a carried upon the end of the rod 45 so that motion of'rod 45 elfects movement of'ring 4.! through lugs 46a and hooks t2. Opposed angle irons 4:1- and 48 provide a guideway. for supporting. ring 4!, but not plate 2. 1:v

and its load, when they are movedto the right as shown inv Figure 4-, thereby dumping plate- 24 and itsload down the chute 43. Retractionof rod 4-5. pulls ring 4.! back toits. original position on platen 31.

During operationv of the apparatus, thereactionzone '9, is normall filled. with a. plurality of? batches from the agitating zone, the batches being thus separated from. each. other and moving in? termittently downwardly through the reaction zone. The plates pile up. above platen 3 1 which is in receiving position; at the discharge end of. the

tower with, ring M; surrounding the lowerendc of."

the tower. When thev chemical reaction between the alkali cellulose and; carbon disulfide. comprise. ing the batch carried; on. the lowermost plate. is

complete; and the plate. is ready tobe removed from. the vicinity; of. the reaction. zone, shoes. 35;

and. 36, are; inserted underthe nextto lastplate in the pile, in order tosupport all, of t-he. plates and. batches except the lowermost one, which drops onto the platen and is withdrawn with the:

platen to dumping position. After dumping, the

platen. is. again. raised; to. the receiving; position- Shoes against the lower opening of the tower.

35 and 36 are again released to permit all of the batches in the tower to fall upon the platen after Which the shoes are again inserted under the next to last plate. As each plate and batch in the stack is brought, in turn, to the lowermost position on th platen, a new plate and a fresh batch drops into the upper end of the reaction zone from the agitating zone so that all of the batches and the partitioning plates which both support and separate the batches shift intermittently downwardly through the reaction zone to the discharge end thereof.

Figure 5 is illustrative of another embodiment of the invention. In that embodiment, the apparatus comprises an agitating zone 8 and a reaction zone 9, and a communicating juncture between the two comprising oval-shaped flanges 46 and 41 having a spacing member 48 interposed therebetween, and having an opening corresponding in diameter to the inner diameter of the reaction zone, or to the inner diameter of both the agitating and reaction zones when they are the same size, and similar to the opening 20a (Figure 3) and a longitudinal guideway extending radially outwardly from the opening and similar to guideway 2| (Figure 3). A rod 5| extending from a piston slidable in cylinder 52 supported on bracket 53 is secured to and adapted to move a circular disk member 54. When rod 5| is pushed inwardly along the guideway, the disk member 54 is brought into position between the agitating and rest zones and serves as a temporary seal therebetween. Rod 51 remains in position to retain disk member 54 in sealing position between the zones, until the alkali cellulose and carbon disulfide have been intimately mixed in the agitating chamber and the physical mixture is ready to be introduced into the rest zone. At that time, rod 51 is retracted so that disk member 54 is withdrawn, which permits the batches to drop downwardly through the reaction zone, the lowermost batch coming to rest upon platen 31 at the discharge end of the reaction zone. Platen 31 is adapted to be lowered to the surface of a stationary support in a manner and by means similar to that described in connection with Figure 1.

Surrounding the reaction zone, at the discharge end thereof, are flanges 56 and 51 having a spacing member 58 interposed therebetween. The spacing member is provided with an opening which corresponds with the inner diameter of the reaction zone, and which is similar to opening 20 (Figure 3) and with a longitudinal guideway extending radially outwardly from the opening. A rod 6| extending from a piston slidable in cylinder 62 is secured to and adapted to move a circular disk member 63, the diameter of which corresponds to the inner diameter of the reaction compartment. When rod 6 I is pushed inwardly along the guideway, disk member 63 is brought into position under the next to lowermost batch in the reaction zone. The disk member is provided with an upstanding projection 64 which fits into a recess 65 in the interior wall of the reaction compartment so that the disk is held securely in place. The disk member 63, when inected between the lowermost batch resting on the platen at the discharge end of the reaction zone and the remaining batches serves to support all of the batches except the lowermost one in the reaction compartment and to effectively prevent the escape of carbon disulfide gas from the chamber. After injection of the member 63, the platen 31 is lowered to dumping position.

After dumping of the Withdrawn batch, the platen is returned to receiving position at the discharge end of the reaction zone. Rod 6| is then retracted so that member 63 is withdrawn, and the lowermost batch in the reaction zone falls onto the surface of the platen, causing all of the batches to shift downwardly through the reaction zone. The sequence of operations is similar to that described in connection with Figures 1 to 4, that is, as each successive batch of cellulose xanthate is withdrawn from one end of the reaction zone, a fresh batch consisting of a physical mixture of alkali cellulose and carbon disulfide is introduced into the other end of the reaction zone, and all of the batches shift intermittently downwardly through the'reaction zone.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown in detail means for introducing alkali cellulose crumbs into theagitating compartment of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 5 while at the same time minimizing leakage of carbon disulfide from the compartment. As shown, there is provided a chamber 66 having a freely rotatable disk-like member 51 inserted therein. Member 61 is divided into a series of alternate open and closed sections by a series of spaced radially extending partitions 68. The open and closed sections communicate alternately with the open top of the hopper II and the open bottom of the chute I0.

The angular disposition of the partitions 68 relative to each other is such that the weight of the crumbs introduced from chute i0 is sufficient to effect rotation of the member 61, so as to bring the open-ended sections of the member into register successively with hopper ll alternately with closed sections of the member. When an open section of member 61 is in register with the chute 10, a closed section is in register with the hopper l l leading to the agitating compartment, and vice-versa, which prevents leakage of any appreciable quantity of carbon disulfide to the chute and to the atmosphere.

Figure 7 illustrates a device which may be used for accurately measuring the amount of carbon disulfide introduced into the agitating zone. The" device is operated as follows: The tank H is filled with water, and valve [08 is opened so that liquid carbon disulfide can be run into the tank, displacing the water which escapes, valve H2 being also open. Plunger 14 which projects into a casing 75, and which is carried on the end of a rod extending from a piston slidable in cylinder 16 is then retracted to a predetermined extent by opening valves Tla and 18a. A predetermined quantity of water is drawn into the casing 15 whereupon check valve 19 is closed, so that valves a and Ma are opened, and the water is forced out into tank H where it displaces an equivalent amount of carbon disulfide which, by opening of valve 82a is thus forced through nozzles 83 of the atomizer I2 into the agitating compartment. The extent of retraction of plunger 14 from casing 15 controls the amount of water drawn into the casing which in turn controls the amount of CS2 sprayed into the agitating compartment. By thus controlling the proportion of carbon disulfide sprayed into the agitating compartment by hydraulic pressure, a very accurate control is maintained, and the introduction of excess carbon disulfide is avoided. Of course, the carbon disulfide may be introduced into the agitating compartment in controlled amounts suflicient to permit intimate 7. physical intermingling with the alkali cellulose by other suitable means, if desired.

The various coacting elements of the apparatus may be operated by any suitable means. Thus they may be manually operated by means of levers or the like. the apparatus is electrically operated and set so that the several operations are carried out sequentially and in a predetermined unit of time. 1

Figure 8 is illustrative of electrical connections which may be used in operating the apparatus shown in Figure 1. In Figure 8, there is shown a shaft 84 having a number of contact disks mounted thereon. Each idisk is of insulating material and its periphery is provided with a metallic insert. The shaft is supported in bearings 85 and 86 and driven by a motor 8! through reduction gearing 88. As shaft 34 rotates, the metallic inserts in the contact disks are brought successively into contact with respective leads or terminals for actuating a plurality of solenoids to close and open switches for establishing and breaking a plurality of electrical circuits in desired sequence.

Referring to Figures 8 and 5, at the start of operations, master switches .33 and as are closed, whereupon motor 8! is started, and shaft 34 begins to rotate. The metallic insert 9i is brought into contact with lead lines 92, causing solenoids 93 and 94 to open valves 95 and 96, to force rod -I carrying disk member 54 out of its cylinder 52 to bring member 54 into position at the bottom of zone 8 and between the zones.

Metallic insert 99 contacts lead lines Hlil, so that solenoids TI and '58 open valves Tia and 53a, causing plunger '44 to be retracted a predetermined extent. Insert ItI then contacts lead lines I02 causing solenoids Bil and 81 to open valves 80a and em, and at the same time insert I03 contacting lead lines Hi4 actuates solenoid 82 to open valve 82a, and CS2 is forced through nozzles 83. Metallic insert I85 contacts lines I06 so that solenoid I08 opens valve It! to permit the introduction of CS2 to tank II, while insert I09, contacting lines IIIi causes solenoid III to open valve II2 so that water may escape from the tank.

The alkali cellulose crumbs and atomized carbon disulfide are agitated in zone 8 for a predetermined period of time which is suflicient to effect intimate physical intermingling thereof, but insufiicient to permit chemical reaction therebetween. When the agitator is stopped, insert H3, in contact with lines H4, energizes solenoids H5 and III; to open valves Ill and H8 so that rod Si is retracted, and the batch drops into the reaction compartment 9. Metallic insert H9, contacting lead lines I23 causes solenoids I'ZI and I22 to open valves I23 and I24 so that rod GI carrying disk member 63 is'pushed out of cylinder 32, and member 33 is brought into position between the batch deposited on the platen and the batch immediately thereabove.

Metallic insert I25, contacting lead lines nae causes solenoids I21 and 528 to open valves I29 and I38. Valve I29 introduces air under pressure above the piston on rod 49, and valve i313 discharges air, so that rod 40 is retracted and the platen comes to rest on support 38.

Contact of metallic insert I3I with lead lines I32 has the result that solenoids I33 and i34- open valves I35 and I36 to introduce air under pressure at one end of the cylinder 45a, behind the rod, and discharge air from the opposite end to However, as shown herein, I

force rod 45 against ring member 4 I. returned to position on the platen, when insert I31 contacts lead lines I38, causing the solenoids I39 and I40 to open valves I41 and I42 so that valve I4I introduces air under pressure at the front of the cylinder and valve I42 discharges air at the opposite end.

Metallic insert I43, contacting lead lines I44, causes solenoids I45 and I43 to open valves Ml and I48, so that platen 31 is forced upwardly into receiving position at the discharge end of reaction compartment 9, whereupon insert I49, contacting lines I50, energizes solenoids I5I and I52 to open valves I53 and I54, so that rod 6| is retracted withdrawin disk member 33. The batches shift downwardly through compartment 9 so that the lowermost batch comes to rest on platen 31.

As shown herein, the lead lines which are contacted by the metallic inserts controlling operation of solenoids 93 and 94, solenoids I I5 and I I6; 11, I8, and I8I, I2I, I22, HI and I52; 62?, I28, I45 and I46; I33, I34, I39 and Hit are connected with a power line supplied by a single phase alternating current generator operating at 440 volts, while the lead lines which are contacted by the metallic inserts. controlling operation of motor 81, motor I6, and solenoids 82, It? and III are connected with a power line supplied by a single phase alternating current operating at 220 volts. It will be obvious, however, that all of the lead lines may be connected with a single power line, if desired.

By suitable adaptation of the electrical connections shown in Figure 8, the various coacting elements .of the apparatus shown in Figure 5 may also be actuated sequentially. Thus the shaft 84 may be provided with the required number of contact disks having metallic inserts, energizing solenoids which in turn actuate the several elements of the device in sequential order and in a predetermined time interval.

In general, we have found that, for any given amounts of carbon disulfide and alkali cellulose, an agitating period of about three minutes is sufficient to permit even and thorough penetration of the carbon disulfide through the particulate alkali cellulose while avoiding chemical reaction therebetween, when the carbon disulfide is introduced in controlled quantity and in atomized condition, and the agitator shaft is driven at a speed of about 1700 R. P. M. The cellulose Xanthate is produced by reaction between the alkali cellulose in the solid phase and the carbon disulfide in the gaseous phase. The time required to effect the reaction may vary somewhat but in general a reaction time. of about two hours is sufiicient. The heat generated in the reaction may be supplemented by the use of suitable jacketing means, if desired. Preferably, the reaction compartment is provided with a safety valve. After operation of the apparatus has been initiated, a physical mixture of alkali cellulose and atomized carbon 'disul-fide is discharged from the agitating zone every three minutes, and a batch comprising the chemical reaction product, cellulose Xanthate, is discharged from the reaction zone every three minutes. Under such conditions, the speed of motor 8'! is controlled so that shaft 84 makes one complete revolution every three minutes. Preferably, the reaction zone is of such length thatabout two hours are required for the batches, or plates. supporting the batches, to reach the discharge end thereof, and the batches or plates carrying the batches shift. intermittently down- The ring is actuated by solenoids I11, I18.

wardly therein as the plates or batches which reach the discharge end are removed. The particles are not subjected to any appreciable disturbance as they, or the plates on which they are supported, shift downwardly through the reaction zone.

Figures 9 and 10 are illustrative of still another embodiment of the invention. Referring to Figure 9, the apparatus shown comprises a vertical tower I55, a horizontal chamber I56 communicating with the bottom or discharge end of tower I55, and a horizontal chamber I58 communicating with a chute I51 leading from chamber I56. Chambers I56 and I58 constitute a reaction zone. The apparatus may be supported in any suitable manner.

Tower I55 comprises a plurality of feeding compartments or zones I59, I66 and SI, an agitating zone or chamber I62, and a compartment or chamber I 62a integrally attached to and open ing into the horizontal chamber or compartment I56. Compartments or zones I59, I68 and I6I are temporarily sealed from one another during operation of the device by tiltable plates or disks I61, I68 which are rotated or tilted in appropriate sequence as described more fully hereinafter.

After a batch of crumbs has been introduced into the agitating zone I62, solenoid I63, which actuates an air valve controlling movement of a rod I64 attached to a piston slidable in cylinder I65 and secured to and adapted to move an arcuate disk or plate I66, is energized so that rod I66 moves inwardly of the tower out of cylinder I65 to carry plate I66 through arcuate slot I66a into sealing position between zone I62 and feeding zone I6I. Solenoid I63 remains energized until the batch is discharged from the agitating zone, whereupon it is de-energized and rod I64 is spring retracted to permit entry of a fresh batch of crumbs to the agitating zone, after which solenoid I63 is again energized and plate I66 is returned to sealing position. Plates or disks I61, I68 for sealing compartments I59, I68, I6I are journaled in bearings I61a and I68a, and are provided with ratchet wheels I69, I18 attached thereto and adapted for engagement by toothed racks I1I, I12 secured to rods I13, I14 attached to pistons slidable in cylinders I15, I16. Movement of rods I13, I14 is controlled by air valves Solenoids I11, I18 remain energized to maintain disks I51, I69 in sealing position between the feeding zones, when all of the zones, including the agitating zone are filled with crumbs. After a batch of crumbs has been delivered from zone I 6| to zone I62, and plate I66 is in sealing position, solenoid I18 is deenergized whereupon rod I16 is retracted and rack I12, by counter-clockwise movement of wheel I 18, tilts plate I 68 to upright position. The crumbs contained in compartment I66 drop into compartment I 6| coming to rest on plate I66. Solenoid I18 is again energized to return plate I68 to sealing position. Solenoid I11 is then deenergized and rod I13 is retracted so that rack I1I by engagement with wheel I69, tilts plate I61 to upright non-sealing position, permitting the crumbs contained in compartment I59 to fall into compartment I68 and come to rest on plate I68. Solenoid I11 is again energized to return plate I61 to the sealing position, and fresh crumbs are fed into compartment I56. The crumbs may be fed into the apparatus by any suitable means such as the means shown in Figure 6. Plates I61, I68 permit continuous feeding of the crumb batches to the several zones of the 10 apparatus, while at the same time minimizing or preventing gas escape from the system. Any gas which does escape from the reaction and agitating zones serves to pretreat the crumbs advancing through the feeding compartments I56 and I66 to the agitating zone.

After each batch of crumbs has been delivered to the agitating zone, and the zone is sealed by arcuate plates I66 and I19, carbon disulfide is introduced into the zone in measured amount through the atomizing nozzles in chamber I62 fed by pipe I80.

The amount of carbon disulfide sprayed into the agitating zone in the form of a fine mist or cloud may be controlled, for instance, by means such as shown in Figure 7. The crumbs and atomized CS2 are agitated for a predetermined period by blades I8! carried on a horizontal shaft I82 which projects into the agitating zone and is driven by a solenoid-controlled motor (not shown). When an intimate physical mixture of the alkali cellulose crumbs and carbon disulfide has been obtained, and before chemical reaction therebetween has been initiated or has progressed to any appreciable extent, solenoid I83, which actuates an air-valve controlling movement of rod I84 attached to a piston slidable in cylinder I85 and secured to and adapted to move the arcu ate plate or disk I19 through arcuate slot I18a is ole-energized so that rod I84 is retracted and plate I19 is withdrawn from sealing position at the bottom of agitating zone I62, and the intimate physical mixture of alkali cellulose and carbon disulfide drops onto piston I86 disposed in chamber I56. Piston I86 is adapted for sliding movement against the inner wall of chamber I56 and is secured to and moved by a rod I81 attached to a piston slidable in a hydraulic cylinder I88.

Solenoid I93 is then energized, valve I166 being turned to permit water under pressure to run in from tank I92 in front of rod I81, so that piston I86 is retracted a short distance in chamber I56 and the load of crumbs is pushed off and lies in front of the piston. Solenoid I63 is then deenergized and solenoid I89 is energized, whereupon valve I98 is turned to permit water under pressure to run in from tank I9I behind the rod, water in front of the rod running back to tank I92. Piston I86 is thus moved inwardly of chamber I56, and the mass is urged along the length of the chamber wherein the chemical reaction proceeds, to chute I51 with little or no movement of the saturated crumbs relatively to one another. Solenoid I89 is then de-energized and piston I66 is returned to its original position in chamber I56.

A conduit I58a is provided so that excess gas escaping to chamber I56 is returned as such to chamber I58.

The mass dropping through chute I 51 comes to rest on the outer peripheral wall of a piston I93a adapted for sliding movement against the inner wall of chamber I58 and which is secured to and moved by a rod I84, in turn secured to a piston slidable in a hydraulic cylinder I95. Solenoid IBM is then energized and valve I61 is turned to permit water under pressure to run in from tank I99, so that piston I93a is retracted, the mass being pushed off the piston so that it lies in front of the piston which, when solenoid I96a is tie-energized and solenoid I96 is energized, valve I91 being turned to permit water under pressure to run in from tank I98 behind rod I94, and return of the water from in front of the rod to tank I98, is pushed inwardly of chamber J58 to urge the mass along the length of the chamber until it is picked up by a worm conveyor 2% carried by a horizontal shaft it! which projects into chamber L58 and is driven by a solenoid-controlled motor (not shown). Conveyor 2% advances the mass to a chute 2%?2 which is temporarily sealed by a plate or disk 2% secured to rod 2% attached to a piston slidable in cylinder 265. Movement of rod 2M is controlled by an air valve actuated by solenoid 296, the solenoid being de-energized at appropriate intervals so that rod 284 is retracted to withdraw disk 263 from sealing position to permit the batches of cellulose xanthate to drop into a collecting device 2%. After a batch of cellulose xanthate is delivered to the worm conveyor, solenoid [95a is again energized and piston 493a is returned to its original position. Pistons I86 and 593a not only serve to receive the batches but also comprise effective means for sealing the apparatus against gas escape or leakage, the length of pistons I86 and l3a being such that a portion of the periphery thereof is always in receiving position with respect to the discharge end of the agitating and first reaction compartments, respectively.

The solenoids for actuating the valves controlling movement of the various rods of the apparatus shown in Figures 9 and 10 may be energized in the desired sequence through lead lines con nected with any suitable timing device such as that shown in Figure 8 appropriately modified to give the sequence herein outlined.

In all of the embodiments illustrated, the crumb batches are fed into the agitating zone, agitated, discharged to the reaction zone and withdrawn from that zone in sequence and at predetermined time intervals such that the crumbs remain in the agitating zone for a time the duration of which is so limited that physical admixture of the crumbs and CS2 is effected and chemical reaction is not initiated, or if initiated, does not proceed beyond the initial stage while the crumbs are subjected to agitation. This has the advantage that the CS2 is uniformly distributed throughout the mass of alkali cellulose crumbs without having to depend upon absorption only, which latter does not result in uniform impregnation of the alkali cellulose or a completely and uniformly xanthated cellulose. Further, the agitator is not impeded by deposition thereon of viscous clumps comprising partially reacted materials, which makes for greater efficiency.

The cellulose xanthate obtained as final product is of superior quality and consists of a ballless, fiufi'y mass of mealy consistency which dissolves very rapidly in sodium hydroxide, water or a mixture of the two. It may be converted to viscose by reaction with proportionate amounts of dilute sodium hydroxide. The viscose obtained from cellulose xanthate made in accordance with the invention is practically fiber-less, and more readily filtered than conventional viscoses, and is characterized by improved spinnability. The absence of excess carbon disulfide in the xanthate produced as described herein minimizes the possibility of by-products being formed due to reaction between carbon disulfide and the sodium hydroxide solvent for the xanthate, so that the artificial fibers and other products obtained by coagulation of the viscose and regeneration of the cellulose are of exceptionally fine quality.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described in terms of certain specific embodiments, it will be obvious that many modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. An apparatus for producing cellulose xanthate comprising three chambers arranged in superimposed relation with the discharge opening of the uppermost chamber aligned with the inlet opening of the intermediate chamber and the discharge opening of the intermediate chamber aligned with the inlet opening of the lowermost chamber, means in the uppermost chamber for dividing the same into compartments comprising plate-like members supported for pivotal movement one above the other in spaced relation, means for pivoting the plate-like members through an arc of intermittently and sequentially, an agitating means in the intermediate chamber, liquid spraying means projecting into the intermediate chamber, solenoid actuated valve means connected to the liquid spraying means for automatically controlling the amount of liquid delivered to the liquid spraying means, an arcuate plate-like sealing means positioned adjacent the discharge opening of the uppermost chamber, an arcuate plate-like sealing means positioned adjacent the discharge opening of the intermediate chamber, means for intermittently inserting and withdrawing the sealing means into and out of sealing position, a closure member positioned adjacent the discharge opening of the lowermost chamber, and means for intermittently inserting and withdrawing said closure member into and out of sealing position at said opening.

a 2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 havin cellulose feeding means connected to the uppermost chamber.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein all of said means are actuated by solenoid actuated fluid pressure means.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 having cellulose feeding means connected to the uppermost chamber, and a time regulated central electrical control for periodically and sequentially actuating all of said means.

5. Apparatus comprising three vertically superimposed vessels, the intermediate vessel being cylindrical and disposed with its axis approximately horizontal, each of said vessels being connected to an adjacent one of the vessels to receive a material from above and to discharge it downwardly through the several vessels in succession, at least one plate in the uppermost vessel of the three for dividing it into vertically spaced compartments, said plate being rotatable on an axis transverse to the vessel and having a shape and size approximately the same as the, internal cross-section of the vessel, means for rotating the plate about its axis, means for selectively closing and opening the junctures between the intermediate vessel and the other vessels comprising an arcuate closure member, and movable means at the bottom of the lowermost vessel to support the contents thereof and to control their discharge.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 comprising means for actuating the plate-rotating means and the sealing means sequentially to eifect stepby-step transfer from compartment to compartment and vessel to vessel.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5 in which there are a plurality of said rotatable plates-in the upper of the three vessels andeach is connected to its individual rotating means.

8. Apparatus according to claim 5 comprising an agitator in the intermediate vessel mounted rotatably on the axis of said vessel, and spray means for introducing a liquid into the intermediate vessel.

9. A unitary treating tower assembly for continuously producing cellulose xanthate from alkali cellulose crumbs comprising an agitating chamber, means for introducing alkali cellulose crumbs into said agitating chamber, means for introducing carbon disulfide into said agitating chamber, an agitator in said chamber, a sequentially actuated closure between the alkali cellu lose introducing means and the agitating chamber to intermittently charge the chamber with batches of alkali cellulose crumbs, a reaction chamber contiguous to and forming a continuation of the agitating chamber, at least one closure means movable with respect to the interior of said reaction chamber for intermittently closing and fluid sealing the reaction chamber from the agitating chamber, walls defining a discharge opening for the reaction chamber, and a closure for said discharge opening.

10. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9 having solenoid controlled means for moving the closure means between the agitating chamber and the reaction chamber into closing position.

11. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9 having solenoid controlled means for moving the closure for the discharge opening into and out of closing position.

12. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9 having solenoid controlled means for sequentially introducing and removing a plurality of closure members to and from the interior of the reaction chamber.

13. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9 in which at least a part of the reaction chamber is a hollow, vertically positioned tower directly below the agitating chamber and positioned to receive a batch of alkali cellulose crumbs discharged from the agitating chamber by gravity.

14. Apparatus in accordance with claim 13 having means for controlling the passage of individual batches of cellulose crumbs through the reaction chamber.

15. Apparatus in accordance with claim 14 having means for intermittently sealing both ends of the reaction and agitating chambers to prevent the escape of gas therefrom.

16. Apparatus in accordance with claim 15 having solenoid actuated fluid pressure means for operating the intermittent sealing means.

17. A unitary treating tower assembly for continuously producing cellulose xanthate from alkali cellulose crumbs comprising an agitating chamber, means for introducing alkali cellulose crumbs into said agitating chamber, means for introducing carbon disulfide into said agitating chamber, an agitator in said chamber, a sequentially actuated closure between the alkali cellulose introducing means and the agitating chamber to intermittently charge the chamber With batches of alkali cellulose crumbs, a reaction chamber contiguous to and forming a continuation of the agitating chamber, at least one closure means movable with respect to the interior of said reaction chamber for separating batches of alkali cellulose crumbs and sequentially depositing said batches into the reaction chamber, walls defining a discharge opening for the reaction chamber, and a closure for said discharge opening.

18. A unitary treating tower assembly for continuously producing cellulose xanthate from a1- kali cellulose crumbs comprising a reaction tower, a plurality of closure members movable in said tower and progressively separating sections of the tower from each other, a support for said tower, an agitating chamber positioned above and contiguous to said reaction tower, means for introducing alkali cellulose crumbs into said agitating chamber, means for introducing carbon disulfide into said agitating chamber, an agitator in said chamber, a closure housing having a plurality of closure members slida'ble therethrough between the agitating chamber and the reaction tower, said housing having guide means through which the closure members are inserted into the closure housing, means for retaining a closure member in the closure housing and depositing the member and a charge of unreacted cellulose Xanthate into the reaction tower, means at the bottom of the reaction tower for individually removing each closure member from the tower together with a charge of reacted cellulose xanthate supported on said closure member.

19. A unitary treating tower assembly for continuously producing cellulose xanthate from alkali cellulose crumbs comprising a reaction tower, a plurality of closure members movable in said tower and progressively separating sections of the tower from each other, a support for said tower, an agitating chamber positioned above and contiguous to said reaction tower, means for introducing alkali cellulose crumbs into said agitating chamber, means for introducing carbon disulfide into said agitating chamber, an agitator in said chamber, a closure housing having a plurality of closure members slidable therethrough between the agitating chamber and the reaction tower, said housing having guide means through which the closure members are inserted into the closure housing, a supply of closure members ad- "jacent said guide means, means for selectively transferring an individual closure member from the supply into the closure, means for retaining a closure member in the closure housing and depositing the member and a charge of unreacted cellulose xanthate into the reaction tower, means at the bottom of the reaction tower for individually removing each closure member from the tower together with a charge of reacted cellulose xanthate supported on said closure member.

20. A unitary treating tower assembly for continuously producing cellulose xanthate from alkali cellulose crumbs comprising a vertical reaction tower of substantial height, a support for said tower, an agitating chamber positioned above and contiguous to said reaction tower, a plurality of closure members slidable through said reaction tower, means for intermittently introducing batches of alkali cellulose crumbs into said agitating chamber, means for intermittently introducing predetermined amounts of carbon disulfide into said agitating chamber, an agitator in said chamber, a closure housing between the agitating chamber and the reaction tower for sequentially introducing closure members into the reaction tower, a supply of closure members adjacent said housing, means for selectively alkali cellulose crumbs, a platform vertically movable below said supporting means, means for vertically reciprocating said platform to receive and. support the stack of closure members when the first-named supporting means is open, and to lower an individual closure member and its associated batch of cellulose Xanthate when the supporting member is closed, means for removing said discharged closure member and batch of cellulose xanthate from the platform.

21. A unitary treating tower assembly for continuously producing cellulose xanthate from a1 kali cellulose crumbs comprising a vertical reaction tower of substantial height, a support for said tower, an agitating chamber positioned above, and contiguous to, said reaction tower, means for introducing alkali cellulose crumbs into said agitating chamber, means for introducing carbon disulfide into said agitating chamber, an agitator in said chamber, a closure housing between the agitating chamber and the reaction tower, said housing having laterally extending guide means through which a plurality of separators are selectively inserted into the closure housing, a supply of separators adjacent said guide means, means for selectively transferring an individual separator from the supply into the closure housing, means for retaining a separator member in the closure housing and depositing the separator and a charge of unreacted cel- Cir lulose xanthate into the reaction tower on top of previously deposited separators, means for supporting the stacked separators and interposed batches of cellulose Xanthate in the tower, means for selectively displacing said supporting means to permit individual separators to move downwardly from the tower, a platform on which said separator and its associated charge of cellulose xanthate is deposited, a retaining member movably supported on said platform for keeping the cellulose xanthate on the separator, means for lowering said platform to a discharge position, means in line with said discharge position for laterally displacing the retaining member and the closure member off of the platform, and means for directing the closure member and the cellulose xanthate batch to a position remote from the base of the reaction tower.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,352,655 Buchanan Sept. 14, 1920 1,361,325 Grunwald Dec. '7, 1920 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 18,792 France May 8, 1857 

1. AN APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSE XANTHATE COMPRISING THREE CHAMBERS ARRANGED IN SUPERIMPOSED RELATION WITH THE DISCHARGE OPENING OF THE UPPERMOST CHAMBER ALIGNED WITH THE INLET OPENING OF THE INTERMEDIATE CHAMBER AND THE DISCHARGE OPENING OF THE INTERMEDIATE CHAMBER ALIGNED WITH THE INLET OPENING OF THE LOWERMOST CHAMBER, MEANS IN THE UPPERMOST CHAMBER FOR DIVIDING THE SAME INTO COMPARTMENTS COMPRISING PLATE-LIKE MEMBERS SUPPORTED FOR PIVOTAL MOVEMENT ONE ABOVE THE OTHER IN SPACED RELATION, MEANS FOR PIVOTING THE PLATE-LKE MEMBERS THROUGH AN ARC OF 90* INTERMITTENTLY AND SEQUENTIALLY, AN AGITATING MEANS IN THE INTERMEDIATE CHAMBER, LIQUID SPRAYING MEANS PROJECTING INTO THE INTERMEDIATE CHAMBER, SOLENOID ACTUATED VALVE MEANS CONNECTED TO THE LIQUID SPRAYING MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING THE AMOUNT OF LIQUID DELIVERD TO THE LIQUID SPRAYING MEANS, AN ARCUATE PLATE-LIKE SEALING MEANS POSITIONED ADJACENT THE DISCHARGE OPENING OF THE UPPERMOST CHAMBER, AN 